Pope Benedict recalls John Paul II as "Philosopher, Theologian and great Shepherd of the Church"

Vatican City, Oct 23, 2006 / 12:00 am (CNA).- Pope Benedict XVI received this morning the members of the John Paul II Foundation and encouraged them to keep alive the teachings and example of his Predecessor in the world, but in particular among younger generations.

The Foundation, led by Cardinal Stanislaw Dziwisz, Archbishop of Krakow (Poland) and former personal Secretary of Pope John Paul, marks its 25th anniversary this year.

The Holy Father described the members of the foundation as “representatives of the people who, the world over, work to keep John Paul II's memory, his teaching and the apostolic work he undertook during the course of his pontificate alive."

"Your commitment,” he added, “shows real promise, because it involves not only documentation and research, but touches upon the mystery of the sanctity of the Servant of God."

After mentioning the different accomplishments of the Foundation in many fields, including charity and social concern, Pope Benedict said, "This is the aspect of the foundation's activities that I would like to underline today: the study of (John Paul II's) pontificate."

“John Paul II, philosopher, theologian, great pastor of the Church, left us a wealth of writings and gestures expressing his desire to spread the Gospel of Christ in the world using the methods indicated by Vatican Council II and to lay down guidelines for the development of Church life in the new millennium," Pope Benedict said.

"These precious gifts cannot be forgotten. Today I entrust to you, dear members and friends of the John Paul II Foundation, the task of studying the richness of his message, and transmitting it to future generations," he concluded.